The Hindu Business Line : Ranbaxy eager to tap Pakistan market

More than a year later, the promoters of the Ranbaxy group are excited about expanding their operations to Pakistan. It is looking at tapping opportunities in the pharmaceuticals, pathology and healthcare businesses in the country.

A high-level team comprising the Fortis Healthcare Chairman, Mr Harpal Singh; the Joint Managing Director, Mr Shivender M. Singh; and the Chief Executive, SRL-Ranbaxy Ltd, Mr Vidur Kaushik; met with officials of the Aga Khan Foundation that runs hospitals in the country. They met Government representatives as well.

Speaking to Business Line, Mr Harpal Singh, said, "We are exploring various initiatives and have identified several areas of cooperation. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed by May-June of next year."

These include making available generic drugs, moving pathology samples to India and exchange of professionals between the two countries. "The cost of drugs in Pakistan is very high and Indian drugs reach there through a third country. They are keen on getting cheaper generic drugs," said Mr Singh.

For starters, the Aga Khan Foundation is keen on sourcing drugs from Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd for their operations in South Africa and West Asia. "We will take this proposal to the management of Ranbaxy Laboratories," he added.

Besides this, SRL-Ranbaxy has offered to help upgrade pathology facilities of Lady Fatima Jinnah Medical College. Also, it is looking at opportunities for movement of pathology samples.

"We will take up the issue of facilitating movement of patients and samples between the two countries with our respective Governments," he said.

The two countries will also work towards having exchange programmes between doctors, nurses and even medical students. Commenting on the medical initiatives there, Mr Singh said that Aga Khan Foundation runs some of the best community and mother-and-child development programmes.

He also added that some of the medical facilities available in Pakistan are world class.

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